Difference between Alcohol and Phenol: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Alcohol is one of the most commonly found compounds in nature. They contain at least one hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom of a hydrocarbon or an alkyl group. Further, the type of carbon attached to the hydroxyl group determines whether the alcohol is a primary, secondary, or tertiary compound. 

Structure of alcohol:

Properties of Alcohol

Some of the physical properties of alcohol are as follows:

• Boiling point: Alcohols have slightly higher boiling points due to the presence of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups
• Solubility: Alcohols are soluble in water if the hydrogen bonds are hydrophilic and form hydrogen bonds with water
• Acidity: Alcohol reacts with sodium, potassium, and other active metals to form alkoxides. These reactions indicate its acidic nature

Phenols or phenolics are chemical compounds that consist of a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon. They are known as a subset of alcohol but exhibit different physical and chemical properties in comparison. They are also called carbolic acids and are used to prepare nylons, herbs, detergents, and other pharmaceutical products.

Structure of Phenol

Properties of Phenol

Some of the physical properties of phenol are as follows:

• Boiling point: Phenols exhibit a higher boiling point than most other hydrocarbons
• Solubility: Phenols are soluble in water
• Acidity: Phenols also react with sodium, potassium, and other active metals to form phenoxides. These reactions indicate its acidic nature

We know that phenol is sometimes considered a type of alcohol. However, various factors can help us differentiate between the two compounds. Some of the differentiating factors between alcohols and phenols are as follows:

Alcohols and Phenols in class 11: In class 11, the basic structure and reaction of different compounds with alcohols and phenols are mentioned in various chapters.

Alcohols and phenols in class 12: The chapter on Alcohols, Phenols, and Ether in class 12 includes a complete and detailed explanation of alcohols and phenols. It consists of a thorough explanation of the physical and chemical properties of alcohols and phenols. 

The chapter also discusses the reactions involved in the preparation of these compounds and correlates the physical properties with their structure.

Q. What are the different methods for the preparation of alcohol?

Q. What are the different compounds used for the preparation of phenol?

Q. Are alcohols and phenols polar?

Q. Can alcohols and phenols be oxidized?

Q. Who discovered phenol?